"The Last Volcanic Cave Village" With a history spanning nearly a millennium, Kandovan’s 1,000 residents maintain a unique way of life. The stone homes, originally built for protection and to benefit from fertile land, have been adapted over time with modern features. Their architecture, rooted in nature, tells a story of resilience and labor, with the name “Kandovan” symbolizing the hardships of carving these dwellings from volcanic tuff.
Despite the challenges of their environment, the community thrives, connected by their shared heritage and proximity. The enduring bond between the people and their mountains ensures this singular way of life continues to flourish. Kandovan, located in Iran’s Azerbaijan province at 2,300 meters above sea level, is the world’s only still-inhabited troglodyte village.